I've been considering this more often lately. I was hoping for an inexpensive option since hearing aids are just earbuds with a custom tune.

Hearing aids are much better than most earbuds, especially with regard to power consumption. I have tinnitus, mild hearing loss, but wear cheapish Costco hearing aids as earbud replacement and the hope my tinnitus won't progress.

They're not really, but I can see why Beltone stores would give you that impression. Go see an audiologist.